Blue Valor

Book Description

With the same unflinching eye and nonstop suspense that marked her acclaimed debut, Blue Mercy, Illona Haus presents her second Kay Delaney novel -- a twisted journey into the dark recesses of a killer's mind.

A crime that defies imagination....

The killer doesn't leave a body. Only a heart -- a human heart -- savagely ripped from an unknown victim and left on the snowy grounds of an elite private high school. Is it a calling card for the Baltimore police or a demented message for someone else?

A hunt that must defy all odds....

Uncovering tenuous ties to previous unsolved murders, Homicide Detectives Kay Delaney and Danny Finnerty are drawn into an investigation unlike any they have ever worked. As a series of brutal crimes unravels and the clock ticks -- too fast -- on a new victim, Kay and Finn are called upon to brave the darkest side of human nature and obsession. Can they put a stop to a madman's terrifying spree?

Download Description

"With the same unflinching eye and nonstop suspense that marked her acclaimed debut, Blue Mercy, Illona Haus presents her second Kay Delaney novel -- a twisted journey into the dark recesses of a killer's mind. A crime that defies imagination.... The killer doesn't leave a body. Only a heart -- a human heart -- savagely ripped from an unknown victim and left on the snowy grounds of an elite private high school. Is it a calling card for the Baltimore police or a demented message for someone else? A hunt that must defy all odds.... Uncovering tenuous ties to previous unsolved murders, Homicide Detectives Kay Delaney and Danny Finnerty are drawn into an investigation unlike any they have ever worked. As a series of brutal crimes unravels and the clock ticks -- too fast -- on a new victim, Kay and Finn are called upon to brave the darkest side of human nature and obsession. Can they put a stop to a madman's terrifying spree?

Customer Reviews:

Blue Valor even better than Blue Mercy.......2007-10-05

Illona Haus has once again created a page turner with her book Blue Valor. Following the same characters she developed in her first book Blue Mercy, Haus keeps you in suspense as the plot twists and turns. I never suspected the book would end the way it did and not only did I recommend it to my friends i bought several copies for them and my parents. I highly recommend anything by Illona Haus and have already read her third in this series Blue Justice, which is better than the fisrt two. Now I have to wait for number 4!!!!!!

Solid Procedural.......2006-08-17

I liked this book overall. BLUE VALOR is very well written, especially for a paperback original. Illona Haus writes better than a lot of veteran novelists -- it's hard to believe this is her second novel. This book is highly readable and flows quite well.

The major weakness of this book is the rather unoriginal plot. This is your typical serial killer book. A killer has savagely ripped a human heart from an unknown victim and left it on the snowy grounds of a private high school in Baltimore. He has apparently brutally killed several other young women in the area. Homicide Detective Kay Delaney spends most of the novel trying to figure out who did it. In the meantime, another young girl has been kidnapped, and Detective Delaney must race against time to save her. If you've read a lot of thrillers, you've probably seen a lot of this stuff before.

This book does have an original ending -- including a plot twist that I did not expect at all. In the end, though, I found the twist so implausable that the story lost credibility.

I also wish the main character had been developed better. A lot happens to Detective Kay Delaney in this book, but I felt very little empathy for her. She didn't seem to have much of a personality in this story, and struck me as too stoic and rather bland.

Overall, this book is a decent purchase if you like well-written police procedurals. If you're looking for something more original, I would recommend the work of PJ Tracy.

Fantastic mind games.......2006-03-12

A still-warm heart: Threat or Offering? Promise or Plea?

In Illona Haus's well written second novel, the plot twists and character development keep you enthralled until the end- even after you THINK you've figured it out!

A wonderful blend of police procedural and "whodunit", Illona Haus has a real gift for presenting the reader with all the necessary clues without giving away the ending. The 'red herrings' in Blue Valor kept me distracted right until the end of the story- and I usually recognize plot twists immediately! Characters and settings leap off the pages at you and create vivid images, pulling you even further into the story.

Way to go Illona Haus! I'm waiting for #3

Illona Haus Keeps You Guessing Until The End!.......2006-03-08

Once again Illona Haus delivers a fast paced guess who done it, and just when you think you know who the killer is she suprises us with the real murderer, and you'll never guess who it is until the end.
In "Blue Valor" we once again meet up with Kay and Finn along with the gritty streets of Baltimore while they try and figure out who left a warm steaming heart nearby a school, and how it ties into the numerous murders of women that keep piling up.

This book has all the elements of a good read........2006-03-04

I enjoyed this book so much that I read half of it in one night and I'm no speed reader. This book has all the elements of a good read. It is full of suspense as the detectives hunt for this vicious killer. The way Haus describes elements in the story is fresh and makes you feel a part of the drama. There is enough relationship drama to peak your interest, but not enough to make it a chick book. It has a sexual element that makes it edgy and a bit wicked. Plus the ending is unexpected and makes you wonder why you didn't make the connection. I am a huge fan of detective thrillers, Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, and stories that explore relationships. This book gives me all that and more. When I finished the book, I was fulfilled yet I can't wait for her next novel.

Courage in Blue and Gray: Tales of Valor from the Civil War

Average customer rating:

Something for any Civil War buff
short but interesting

Courage in Blue and Gray: Tales of Valor from the Civil War
Ken Kryvoruka
Manufacturer: AuthorHouse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | World | History | Subjects | Books

Book Description

The Civil War is the defining moment in our history. More than 620,000 Americans died in that conflict, a figure that far exceeds the number of dead in any other American war. Although military history occupies the popular imagination, battles and tactics do not exist apart from the larger context - the world inhabited by the people who lived during that unique time in our history. This is a rich sampling of Civil War stories - tales of courage and valor - culled from letters, diaries, newspapers, periodicals, battle reports and pamphlets, which feature some well known and not so well known people who faced danger and uncertainty and showed great courage throughout this difficult time in our nation's history. Collected in this volume is the story of how Walt Whitman was drawn to the Civil War; the tale of George Armstrong Custer's life-long friendship with a far less famous Confederate general; the drama of America's greatest amphibious assault prior to World War II; the contrast between the post-war fate of Confederate Generals James Longstreet and Turner Ashby; the excitement of the Battle of Mobile Bay; the hardships faced by the new Confederate Post Office; the chronicle of a neurosurgeon's pioneering techniques that were later used in World War I; the adventure of a Prussian nobleman who fought with JEB Stuart; and the mystery of how a copy of the Bill of Rights stolen during Sherman's march to the sea was finally recovered by the FBI nearly one hundred and forty years after the Civil War. Here, in vivid detail and with a dramatic flare, are the voices of soldiers and sailors, friends and enemies, doctors, correspondents, generals and politicians, all told in a way that only history from the heart can tell. These tales convey the vitality, the humor, the courage and the valor of a people and their volatile era. These colorful stories offer a glimpse into the personalities, attitudes and events that at once enhance our understanding of the Ci

Customer Reviews:

Something for any Civil War buff.......2007-01-22

Courage in Blue and Grey is a good read and a worthwhile addition to any collection of Civil War literature. This collection of essays introduces the reader to behind-the-scenes personal perspectives on real people who lived and died during this painful chapter of American history. The author is concise, expressive and articulate in bringing to life Civil War experiences that will captivate readers of all ages. Of particular interest is the exceptional selection of pictures and reproductions culled from the Library of Congress and other archives. It is a rare book, indeed, that can hold the interest of adult history enthusiasts as well as adolescents still developing their predilections. The wide-ranging appeal of these diverse stories offers something to any Civil War buff.

short but interesting.......2007-01-17

Ken has written a short but fascinating account of Civil War characters and events that should be of interest to anyone who follows this intense time in US history. He goes deeply behind the scenes to uncover some of the lesser known lore of this volatile time. Highly recommended.

Blue's Bastards A True Story of Valor Under Fire (about Oliver North)

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Blue's Bastards A True Story of Valor Under Fire (about Oliver North)
Randy Herrod
Manufacturer: Regnery/Gateway
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000HEURBG

Average customer rating:

A first person impression of military justice ( or injustice???)
Herrod's side of the Son Thang Massacre.
Lies, all lies!!!
War fiction at its worst
Good book, but get the facts straight on Randy Herrod

Blue's Bastards: A True Story of Valor Under Fire
Randy Herrod
Manufacturer: Regnery Publishing, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Asia | History | Subjects | Books

Southeast Asia | Asia | History | Subjects | Books

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0895265494

Book Description

A simply told, heartfelt memoir...Readers who regard Oliver North as something of a tiresome presence on the American scene will find him revealed here as a man of deep integrity. --Booklist

Customer Reviews:

A first person impression of military justice ( or injustice???).......2007-04-15

This is a book about the subject of Son Thang 4 by a combatant that was actually there. I have read the other two books about this incident; Gary Solis' book as well as Denny Garrison's. I enjoy this book the most because it is written by the man who was actually there.
The story is a history of Randy Herrod's time in Vietnam. The story begins with him serving under Lt.Oliver North, yes that North, and being recommended for the Silver Star for courage under fire (which he later receives). It ends with his trial for a war crime (sixteen counts of premeditated murder) and acquittal of the same.
MR. Herrod gives the impressions he received of the military without pulling any punches. The book is raw but well written and a easy read. (I read it cover to cover in a day). It is the accurate depiction of what happened to MR. Herrod in Vietnam.
For an equal read, read the book by Gary Solis which explains the Prosecutions version of the case. I believe this (Solis')is a one sided view of the incident. Leaving out key pieces of evidence or placing the evidence in a different area. I do not question Mr. Solis' military prowess, writing ability, or legal mind; but it is difficult to piece together what happened at the trial of these marines without actually being at the trial. Trnascripts do not do jury trials justice. However, it is my understanding that there were no transcripts produced of the Herrod trial.
I believe that Denny Garrison's book is also good because Denny was there in the Courtroom for all of the trials and refers to his trial noted taken from the actual case in preparation of the book. The key to the Garrison book is the fact that there was evidence of an M-60 machine gun nest used by the VC to fire onto the village at US troops. The only defendant that had the benefit of this testimony was Herrod; although the nest was discovered shortly after the Son Thang incident, and the gun was turned over to military intelligence-who misplaced the weapon. This is key to the defense because the ear witnesses to the incident remember the distinct sound of an M-60 being fired although Herrod's Killer squad did not have a 60.
Overall this is a great read. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Herrod before I read the book and then talked with him after reading it. Mr. Herrod is the one who recommended the other two books to me. I have read all accounts and believe that the report of this crime is the tragedy. Wars are drastic things that call for drastic measures. Life or death decisions are made on instinct. Perhaps in the future of warfare ID badges and enemy cards will be issued to better identify who is a combatant and who is not. Interesting however, that the village in Question was SON THANG 4. According to research into the area the Vietnamese government numbered there villages 1-4. 1 was all friendly. 2 was mostly friendly with a few enemies. 3 was enemy with a few friendly's and 4 was all enemy. Another piece of evidence kept out of the trial.
Perhaps we will never know exactly what happened at SON THANG 4. As it goes in the justice system our guilty defendants are proven to be innocent by the media and our acquited defendants are proven to be guilty.

Herrod's side of the Son Thang Massacre........2006-02-27

I thought the writing for this book was above average and the story was very readable. I guess I am going to have to read Son Thang, An American War Crime by Solis to get the other side. Herrod portrays his story of serving under Oliver North during the Vietnam War. His portrayal of Lt. North resulted in me gaing a new respect for someone I don't like politically. As another reviewer has already stated, Herrod's account may be self serving.

What did happen at Son Thang. Herrod says that people shot at him and his four companions on the hunter-killer team. One bullet grazed the neck of his buddy, and shot away the rifle stock on his M-16. They were then chased but to the fire base. North provided compelling testimony of Herrod's character. His defense resulted in his acquittal. At the end, there were 16-17 dead civilians, some of whom may have been Viet Cong.

The story is very readable. This tells one side of the story. The book on Son Thang tells the other side. Marines were placed in the difficult position here. At this point, I am not sure what is true and what is not.

Lies, all lies!!!.......2005-03-25

This whole book was not true. The author stated a bunch of falsehoods in this book. I agree with the other 2 ratings up here. If you want a TRUE account of what happened, read the book by Gary Solis.

War fiction at its worst.......2001-07-18

A blatant example of self-serving prose meant to whitewash the heinous crime that was committed at Son Thang. Based on a faulty premise, that the investigation was sparked by a report from a green lieutenant, Herrod's book reads like the whine of a child caught in mischief. The mischief this time, though, was the murder of non-combatants, all women and children. Herrod managed to get off with an all-star defense team. Maybe he should hit the lecture circuit with OJ

Good book, but get the facts straight on Randy Herrod.......2000-08-07

Read Son Thang, Am American War Crime, by Gary Solis, to get the whole story on Oliver North's actions in the court martial case of United States vs. Randy Herrod. Herrod was never sentenced to death. He was not even convicted for his role in the killing of 17 Vietnamese women and children. Although the other members of the fire team he lead were all convicted or plead guilty, Herrod was acquitted, based in no small part on the testimony of his former Platoon Commander, Oliver North.

The boys in blue;: Or, Hero tales. Duty--valor--patriotism

Average customer rating:

The boys in blue;: Or, Hero tales. Duty--valor--patriotism
Nichols
Manufacturer: J.L. Nichols & Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Average customer rating:

BLUE VALOR (KAY DELANEY, NO 2)
ILLONA HAUS
Manufacturer: Pocket Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000J1EXEO

Customer Reviews:

A servicable resource for most role-playing games.......2002-06-03

Now that fantasy RPGs are looking for new cultures to exploit, Russia has finally come into its own. Mystic Russia is, as the back of the cover states, about "...Russian Myth, but given that ol' Rifts® twist." It does a servicable job of bringing Russian monsters to life, and to a lesser degree, the O.C.C.s of Russian folklore.

The monster section is the best part and obviously the primary reason for the book, as they're placed in the front (which seems peculiar to me). Most are pulled right from Russian folklore, but a few seem like someone thought the picture looked cool and threw in some statistics for it, like the Demon Claw. Of particular note are the Koshchei (remember that guy from the AD&D Monster Manual II?) and the Kaluga Hag on page 27, my vote for what the Blair Witch looks like. The artwork throughout the book is above par.

Speaking of witches, as usual, this book heavily emphasizes that magic isn't real and neither are witches. Unless you are a practicing witch, in which case, please don't be offended. Mr. Siembedia points this out on page 1. And page 10. And page 72. And 73.

Perhaps the biggest flaw of all the books Mr. Siembedia writes are the finger-wagging, condescending quips that are littered throughout the rules. For example, on the topic of the evil Necromancer as an O.C.C., he advises to "...please respect the G.M.'s decision and move forward with the game." Move forward with the game? We were in the middle of an argument and the author's narrative made us stop, turn to that passage, and suddenly realize we should all just "move forward with the game" and stop arguing about the rules? This kind of condescending blather is presumably due to the younger target audience, but I'm sure they find it insulting too.

The Pact Witch, Hidden Witch and Old Believer O.C.C.s are interesting looks at Russian folklore and magic, although occasionally the spells are so specific as to be of questionable value (spoil water, curdle mlik, spoil wine, and spoil eggs could probably be grouped under spoil food). The Necromancer and Fire Sorcerer are reprinted from other Rifts books. It's disconcerting to see (NEW!) in front of the Bone Magic section. So the rest of the spells aren't new? Of all the O.C.C.s, the Mystic Kunzya stands out as truly unique, super-smiths with a penchant for super weapons. Super-powerful unbalancing weapons, but hey, you don't play Rifts for game balance anyway.

The Gypsy section is suspiciously generic. While the first crop of O.C.C.s delve into very specific spells of limited usefulness, the Gypsy section is devoid of detail. Professions like the Chovihani are missing completely, unless you use the Hidden Witch, which is not what Chovihani were about. This would be a perfect place for such spells as steal liver and a variety of thief protection spells that Chovihani were known for.

The last section seems like an afterthought about Sovietski tanks and war machines. This is Mystic Russia, right?

All in all, this book is a servicable resource for most role-playing games. However, as a Rifts supplement, it's fluffed out with a lot of material in other books under the guise of being reprinted for the "player's convenience."

This is an excellent book that all Rifters should own........1999-06-24

This book is an excellent book for all Rifts players. In most of my campains I have used this book to make NPC villans and also it is an excellent world book for choosing player characters. This is one of my favorite Rifts world books out there along with Warlords of Russia another excellent book.

Average........1999-06-08

This book is an average supplement for the RIFTS role-playing game. I own most of the supplements for RIFTS and I don't use this one too much in my campaigns. Most of my players have shown only marginal interest in the contents of this book. It is an okay companion to the Warlords of Russia worldbook, but otherwise probably not worth the price of the book. This book is similar in character to the England world book. There is a lot of information about the folk lore of the region with a few characters thrown in. If you enjoy reading world books just for the information, then buy it. If you are looking for a world book for Russia, get Warlords of Russia instead.

Average customer rating:

Destined to be one of your "breakup buddies"

Great guide for those ready to move on after a breakup

Funny but sad for brokenup couples

Your replacement best friend

Not very helpful

It's Called a Breakup Because It's Broken: The Smart Girl's Break-Up Buddy
Greg Behrendt , and Amiira Ruotola-Behrendt
Manufacturer: Broadway
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Interpersonal Relations | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Love & Romance | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Self-Esteem | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
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How to Heal a Broken Heart in 30 Days: A Day-by-Day Guide to Saying Good-bye and Getting On With Your Life

ASIN: 0767921968
Release Date: 2006-09-05

Book Description

There’s no doubt about it—breakups suck. But in the first few hours or days or weeks that follow, there’s one important truth you need to recognize: Some things can’t and shouldn’t be fixed, especially that loser who dumped you or forced you to dump him. It’s called a breakup because it’s broken, and starting right here, right now, it’s time to dry your tears, put down that pint of ice cream, log out of his e-mail, and open this book to Chapter One–and start turning your breakup into a breakover.

From Greg Behrendt, the co-author of the smash two-million copy bestseller He’s Just Not That Into You, comes It’s Called a Breakup Because It’s Broken--the ultimate survival guide to getting over Mr. Wrong and reclaiming your inner Superfox. From how to put yourself through “he-tox,” to how to throw yourself a kick-ass pity party, Greg and his wife, Amiira, share their hilarious and helpful roadmap for getting past the heartache and back into the game. You will learn:

• Why you shouldn’t call him—and what he’s thinking when you do
• How to keep your friends and not lose your job
• How to avoid breakup pitfalls: IMing, stalking, having sex with your ex
• Reframing reality—seeing the relationship for what it was
• How to transform yourself into a hot, happening Superfox and get a jump on the better, brighter future that awaits

Complete with an essential workbook to help you put the crazy down on paper and not take it out into the world, It’s Called a Breakup Because It’s Broken is a must-have manual for finding your way back to an even more rocking you.

Customer Reviews:

Destined to be one of your "breakup buddies".......2007-10-04

Reading this book after a breakup is a little like Bridget Jones taking relationship advice from the Smug Marrieds after her breakup with Daniel. But still, I didn't think the authors' writing was pedantic in any way.

The basic message of the book was, "get over him already." Filled with Q and As and basic exercises to get things out of your system, the book also offers strategies for coping effectively with getting over your breakup. Most importantly: do not call. Having recently gone through a breakup myself, I'd add another commandment to the list: don't cry over every little thing that reminds you of your ex (case in point: my ex's last name was Smith, and for three months after the relationship ended, every time I ran into someone with that last name, I burst into tears).

The book is funny and witty, and highly enjoyable, even if the authors aren't the most highly qualified to write about the subject (almost everybody could write a book about how someone or multiple people broke their heart). Many of the things the author says are completely true and blatantly obvious, but the person getting over the breakup doesn't always realize it. The book also made me realize that I'm not as heartbroken as I thought I was.

Great guide for those ready to move on after a breakup.......2007-09-28

I am a psychologist working at a college counseling center, and I have recommended this book to several of my clients who have experienced a relationship breakup. However, because the tone of this book is very lighthearted, almost irreverent, I've been selective in my recommendations. The authors--a husband and wife team who talk freely about their own past breakups--infuse plenty of humor into their work. There can be a thin line between being funny and empowering versus funny and belittling, and I do believe the authors fall well on the side of the former, but still, I'd recommend this book mainly for those who are READY to move on after a breakup but just are not sure how to do so.

The book has two main parts: "The Breakup," which centers around coming to terms with the reality that the relationship is truly over, and "The Breakover," which focuses on coping with this new reality. The chapters contain a wealth of helpful information, from personal stories by the authors to simple exercises and questionnaires to occasional recipes (I plan to try the "Crack Brownies" soon!). The second part of the book focuses on "Breakup Commandments" and contains a special chapter for men called "Dude, Get Off Her Long." On the whole, however, this book is mainly geared towards empowering women who have been dumped, with the authors frequently using endearments designed to give a much-needed self-esteem boost (including calling the reader "Superfox," "Pretty Lady," and "Hot Stuff").

Overall, the main point of this book is that the breakups are like a serious illness which is undeniably painful yet completely curable. With empathy, wisdom, and wit, the authors provide plenty of hope that you can pass through the destruction and devastation left by your broken relationship and embrace the wonderful new life waiting for you.

Funny but sad for brokenup couples.......2007-09-20

I'm not picky reading books. sometimes i read business books, and sometimes i read romance or salty novels.
I used to read serious psychological books and cooking recipe books..and so on.
I love books because through reading books i could know what i never got an experience and never done before.
The reason i say that i'm not picky reading books something is that i've read kind of simple, humorous and might be low quality but useful book for our life.
The book is just 'It's called a BREAKUP Because it's BROKEN'
Actually the author wrote this book as a kind of solution for just broken couple especially for girls. how to get over it and how to forget my ex. and what should we do after breaking up the relationship. As you know we spend so hard time after breaking up. The author as a counselor is trying to get people who just broke up encourage. But the side effect of this book is just that the breaking up relationship looks like easy to handle and solve, even subtle and simple one. Anytime we could find another partner as a girlfriend and boyfriend. just forget your ex even if you are so difficult to being alone and trying to find new one. Because of author's these statements make this book so funny and humorous.
Isn't it too much sad ? Through talking other people's sadness we could enjoy reading.
But i should recommend this book for just breaking up couples. It could help them.

Your replacement best friend.......2007-09-15

Greg and Amiira do a great job of providing sound advice and personal experience while topping it all off with great humor. Sure, not everyone is going to find the advice in this book overly astounding. For example, I think most girls know that it is probably not a good idea to keep calling your ex or secretly stalking his old hangouts. However, Greg and Amiira give the little extra nudge you need in order to see the light at the end of the tunnel and not pick up the phone instead of just knowing that you shouldn't. Plus the little extra bonus in this book is reading about all the crazy things people have done after a break-up. Reading their craziness pushes you to be even more sane and on your way to becoming a SuperFox!!

The only downside to this book for me was that I was the one that broke up with my boyfriend. Ninety percent of the time the book takes the perspective of the person dumped. It still was helpful, but just because you ended a relationship doesn't mean it hurts any less. I would have liked to see both perspectives more.

Not very helpful.......2007-09-15

After mutually agreeing to break up after 4 1/2 years I was still very sad and looking for something to help. This book wasn't it.

Whilst I like the fact that they try to get you to think positively about yourself, the "superfox" term is outdated annoying and distracting.

It covers questions or feelings you may have, but the "you thought your break up was bad" sections aren't very positive. I found myself not wanting to read them because I want encouragement, not stories of other peoples nightmares that could happen to anyone.

I have found other books helpful and I will keep them or give them to friends in need, this book will be donated to my local library. Hopefully someone else (maybe younger than mid-thirties) will find it helpful or insightful. I did not.

Average customer rating:

A must for every serious cook

Good general food reference book

Missing the ingrediants you really want to know about

Gorgeously illustrated, filled with vital info

Good but not all-inclusive.

The Visual Food Encyclopedia: The Definitive Practical Guide to Food and Cooking

Manufacturer: Macmillan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Baking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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Amazon.com

The recipe calls for burdock, and you haven't a clue--what it looks like, how to buy it, and what to do with what's left over. This is where the Visual Food Encyclopedia shines. Burdock is easily located in the section on root vegetables. The Encyclopedia provides pictures of the whole plant and of the root in question (a whitish, spongy thing with a thin, brownish skin), a short history of the vegetable (originally from Siberia, now cultivated in Japan), buying tips (look for firmness), and ideas of what to do with the leftovers (try a stir-fry, or grate some for a stew).

No food categories are overlooked. The pasta section tells how to make pasta from scratch, and illustrates all manner of pasta types. There are detailed instructions on preparing snails, sea urchins, and frog (this is a translation from a French edition)--and all manner of foods are included, from fruits, grains, and vegetables to seaweed, fats, and tea to dairy, fish, and meat. Some ingredients get more attention than others (all the pear varieties, for example, from Anjou and Bosc to Comice and Passe-Crassane, are pictured and described in detail, while the various chili peppers don't get as full a treatment), but with more than 1,000 ingredients, 1,200 illustrations, and a goodly number of recipes as well, this is a corker of a food reference, of value to any cook, from novice to weekend gourmet to professional chef. --Stephanie Gold

Book Description

What does a tree tomato look like? Whats the difference between a turnip and a rutabaga? Where does malanga come from? How do you trim an artichoke bottom? The Visual Food Encyclopedia answers all these food questions - and thousands more. The Visual Food Encyclopedia is the cooks companion in the market and the kitchen, illustrating and explaining everything other cookbooks assume you already know. It takes you by the hand and, with a no-nonsense approach, tells you how to look for freshness, when to buy each ingredient at its peak, how to store it once you get it home, and the best methods of preparation and cooking. This extensive guide covers more than 1,000 ingredients, including: · 70 different kinds of vegetables · 63 varieties of fruits · 37 types of meat · 62 species of fish · 34 different cereals and grains · 47 herbs, spices and condiments · 30 kinds of cheese and milk products · Varieties of nuts and seeds, mushrooms, seaweed, sugars, fat and oils, and coffee and tea. In large part, the explaining is done with pictures, over 1,200 of them. The state-of-the-art computer images are so clear and richly colored, youll want to eat the food right off the page. And because you just have to see how some things are done, like cutting a chicken into serving pieces, basic techniques are clearly illustrated with original step-by-step photographs. This unique book doesnt ignore health benefits either. All the entries include nutritional highlights. A glossary of terms along with a comprehensive index of the technical and most commonly known names for each entry is provided at the end of the book. Plus, while this is an encyclopedia, not a cookbook, serving ideas and traditional recipes using selected ingredients are featured/ From the novice cook to the experienced chef, there are timeless lessons to be learned from The Visual Food Encyclopedia.

Customer Reviews:

A must for every serious cook.......2007-01-24

I saw this book while staying at a friend's house and immediately fell in love with it, and read it at every opportunity. I determined to track it down and to buy a copy each for myself and two adult daughters, all of us being keen cooks. Given that it was published 10 years ago, it is still remarkably relevant. My daughters are equally thrilled with the book. It is not a recipe book, and does not pretend to be, so the other reviewers are missing the point.
The clear layout, encyclopaedic content of the biological plant and its origins, use, nutritional content and so on is a wonderful addition to any kitchen library.

Good general food reference book.......2002-11-02

A very good general food reference book. My only complaint is that it is unclear how this book is organised. There is an index which makes finding things easy. But the body of the content isn't alphabetically arranged!

Missing the ingrediants you really want to know about.......2002-09-28

If you are a cook and sometimes come across ingrediants you have never seen (or can't pronounce) this is *not* the book for you. It is missing most of that stuff. Example recipes would be helpful, too. However, as a general western reference with good illustrations, it fits the bill nicely. I open mine about once a month to look up something. Great as a gift and even better to receive as a present!

Gorgeously illustrated, filled with vital info.......2002-07-26

Serge D'Amicos' "The Visual Food Encyclopedia" is a sumptuous book, almost worthy more of the living room coffee table than the coffee-stained kitchen table. As a French import translated into other languages, it lists only a dozen varieties of apple (what, no Jonathan?), for example, but gives snails their own chapter.

For a volume that provides a close look at such relatively exotic fare as jicama and carambola, a pronunciation guide would have been a nice addition. The book is arranged into sections (vegetables, legumes, cereals and grains, and so on-seaweed even has its own chapter), and every food is shown both whole and in cross-section. Like "Larousse Gastronomique," this is an eminently useful volume written with a definite French slant.

Good but not all-inclusive........2001-08-04

This was a great start for our culinary reference library. For each entry, you get information about selecting the item, how to use it, and sometimes some interesting history. I wish it had photos instead of drawings, and I wish it had a more complete selection. But all things considered, you couldn't ask for a much better basic food reference.

The Visual Food Encyclopedia - The Definitive Practical Guide To Food And Cooking

Average customer rating:

The Visual Food Encyclopedia - The Definitive Practical Guide To Food And Cooking
Francois - Editorial Director Fortin
Manufacturer: Macmillan Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Cooking | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000KIPCOQ

Average customer rating:

excellent resource

The Visual Food Encyclopedia: The Definitive Practical Guide to Food and Cooking
Serge Dandapos;Amico Franandccedil;ois Fortin
Manufacturer: Macmillan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Cooking | Encyclopedias | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000O95MDM

Customer Reviews:

excellent resource.......2007-05-16

This is a really awesome book. I like these kind of encyclopedias where each page is devoted to one item of food.... say asparagus and it tells its history, nutritional information, how to buy, cooking, and serving suggestions. Also a great color photo on each page. Well worth the buy and a great addition to any library.

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